Month: July 2022

REVIEW: The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

REVIEW: The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Florence Day is a ghostwriter for a best-selling romance novelist. But since her big break up a year ago, she has struggled with the happily-ever-after world of romance. She thought maybe, with a new editor, she could convince her publisher to let “Ann Nichols” try something different. No dice. Benji Andor, the editor, said the book was due on schedule – the day after their meeting.

Later that night, Florence ran into her ex, ran into Benji, KISSED Benji, and then found out her father died. Any thought of finishing the book flew out of her head as she returned to Marimont – to her family, to the family funeral home, and to the ghosts.

Florence and her father were able to see ghosts. And it’s a power that only caused trouble for Florence as a teen. But when Florence sees the ghost of Benji in Mairmont, she can’t ignore her gift any more.

Review

This was delightful! I loved all of it – the characters, the writerly bits, the romance, the family drama. All of it!

Ultimately this feels like Florence’s journey back to herself – after her breakup, after writer’s block, after fleeing her family and her home. And her journey is supremely satisfying! The romance was a happy extra to a great character story.

I have loved Ashley Poston’s YA work since I first read Geekerella. This is a slight departure as it is an adult romance instead of a young adult book, but it is easily as good as her other stories. Contemporary romance fans, paranormal romance fans, and Poston fans should absolutely check this book out! (Language, sex)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ – I loved it! Would re-read.

BONUS REVIEW: Enneatype Five by Liz Carver and Josh Green

BONUS REVIEW: Enneatype Five by Liz Carver and Josh Green

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Fair Winds Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

This workbook is based on the work in the authors’ original book, What’s Your Enneatype?, as well as their hugely popular social media posts. The stated goal of this type-based workbook is to give readers an opportunity to live with this material – sit with it, consider the questions, take the recommended actions and reflect on them. The goal isn’t to finish the workbook and set it on a shelf. The questions are self-directed. Readers will get something out of the book based on the effort they put into it.

The content is brief, with several questions after each piece that allow the reader to dig into into each topic. The color scheme and art from the full book carry over into the workbook. Enneagram topics covered include: moves to stress in security, stances, wings, subtypes, relationships with other types, and practices to develop health.

I like the layout of this. I think this is a fantastic resource for folks who want to dig deeper in their number. (With the release of this book, along with the 8 and 3 books, the series is complete.) This could be used in a “devotional” sort of way, although there’s no spiritual content. It could also be used in a journaling practice.

I personally would pick the full book over the workbook for those interested in general Enneagram information. But for those who are certain of their number and want to know “what now?” this could be a great next step.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great!

BOOK NEWS: July 5, 2022

BOOK NEWS: July 5, 2022

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy July, fellow readers! Here are some of the books releasing this week for you to add to your summer TBR.

Books for Kids

Ballet Bruce – A new Early Reader starring Mother Bruce! Bruce’s geese want to do ballet. This looks adorable!

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Repairing the World – A young girl feels lost and untethered after the death of her best friend. This is on my wish list for the week.
The Charmed List – When Ellie’s prank against her former best friend, Jack, backfires and puts her relationship with her new best friend in jeopardy, she’s stuck with Jack on a road trip as her punishment. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Lia and Beckett’s Abracadabra – From the author of The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost-Kiss. While Lia is all in on a magic competition against the Blackwell boys, she doesn’t realize the cute guy she met on the beach is one of them. I’ll be reviewing this one soon as well!

 

Books for Adults

Acts of Violet (Hardcover) – Violet, a magician, disappeared in the middle of her act. Ten years later, her sister Sasha is looking for answers, as is Violet’s niece and a podcaster who won’t leave Sasha be. This sounds intriguing! This one is already on my library wish list.
A Cold Nose for Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the always delightful Chatty Corgi series. I’ll be reviewing this soon!
Dream On (Trade Paperback) – A woman wakes up after an accident with memories of a boyfriend who everyone in her life says doesn’t exist. A year later, she meets him. Yes, please! This is also on my library list.
The Finalists (Trade Paperback) – Six college students locked in a Victorian mansion compete for a fellowship – but not everyone will survive. My library is so amazing, they already have this one coming soon. It’s on my list.
For You & No One Else (Trade Paperback) – To recover after becoming a “worst date ever” meme, Eliza agrees to go off social media for 6 months and learn to live in the “real world.” Fascinating!
Holy Chow (Hardcover) – Book 25 in the excellent Andy Carpenter series. I’ll be reviewing this one soon!
A Perilous Pal (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Friend for Hire Mystery series. I’ll be reviewing this one soon, too.

 

 

REVIEW: Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein

REVIEW: Mr. Lemoncello’s Very First Game by Chris Grabenstein

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

A young Luigi L. Lemoncello longs to fit in and find his place, but he was born to stand out. And he finds a kindred spirit at a travelling carnival where he meets Professor Marvelmous. Luigi is so good at the Professor’s carnival game that he gives Luigi a job there every day while the carnival is in town.

At the carnival, Luigi gets to practice being a showman. And the professor and Luigi’s friends encourage him as he works on his game ideas.

But two town bullies are determined to cause trouble for Luigi and his friends. Of course, one of them is a Chiltington.

Review

This was a fun prequel! Fans of the Lemoncello series by Chris Grabenstein will love all of the Easter eggs in this book. But newcomers could start here, too. I think it’s more fun to read the books in publication order, but that’s just my opinion. The story stands solidly on its own.

Luigi is a delightful character as a child (also as an older adult in other books). He’s sweet, clever, and kind. And the Professor is an excellent mentor who gives sage advice while also giving Luigi space to find his own path.

The bullies are the worst, just like in the earlier books. But Luigi is eventually able to outsmart them. The ending is a happily-ever-after for the Lemoncello family as well as Luigi’s friends.

This is a fun, feel good story, perfect for summer reading! This would also make a great classroom read aloud, but again I think it works best if the students have previously read (or heard) at least one of the other books.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.